Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1887-09-21

hhL NhCll, " AugtlO.
he blandly offered him el00 for it.
why, I've had the offer of as good
as 1925 for 1t already" exclaimed the
artist Indignantly.
Mr.. Levi pricked up his ear.
''Hullol somebody has got the start
or me-" he thought ruefully. "Who
the deuce can it be?'
"Well, l don't mind giving you el50
for it-and perhaps you've something
that 1t may suit me to buy" he said,
with a glance round the studio.
What's this?" he added, going to a
large picture that was handsomely
framed, but turned with its face to the
wall.
IA picture 1 sent in to Burling-
ton House last year, but it wasn't ac-
cepted," :" stammered Michael Angelo.
"Humphl / don't wonder. What's
the name of itP'' went on the dealer,
reading the legend inscribed on the
frame, Margaret Mending Her Stock
ings-" mo, that won't suit me; it's
big ugly thing, and shockingly raw.
You've done better work slnce-r
"Au of which is sOld," interrupted
Megilp, in huffed tone, except this
little thing-'Sour Grapes"
But again the dealer shook his head,
and took his stand before the easel on
which stood "Chloe."
''I'll give you $500 for it, he said at
last.
Michael Angelo hes'tated. He would
rather Levi had the picture than Zerub-
babel; but it seemed hard that he should
make no present profit out OF this-his
best work. Every penny OF the $500
would be swallowed up in getting clear
of that unfortunate bill of sale!
''Giye me a week to think it over, :"
he said at last, turning abruptly round
10 the dealer.
In doing so he caught his foot in the
support of the easel, and the picture
fell heavily to the ground.
GOOD God, what have you donep'
cried Mr.. Levi. Poor Michael Angelo
was too frightened to speak. Together
they picked up the picture. Fortu-
nately the canvas was not damaged,
but large corner of the frame was
Clipped of.
That's soon remedied," said Mr..
Levi. "a new frame won't cost much.
But, Mr.. Megilp, l hope you'll think
over my offer; 1t may lead to further
business, you Know" he added, ami
ably. And he left the artist standing,
with rather rueful air, before his
cherished picture.
what has happened, Angy? heard
something fall. What has Mr.. Lew
offered you? Obi what pity!-the
beautiful Frame" said Mrs. Megilp,
bustling into the studio But without
waiting for answers TO her questions,
she went on: ''I've just had a letter
from your aunt Jane, and she wants us
.
with her. Do let me accept, dear You
look quite pale from overwOrk, and L
so long for a sight of the country--Da
let's get away from these bothering
money Lenders aud people, and have
holiday. Pm sure we both want il !"
Levi has offered e3OO for Chloe !"
began Megilp gravely.
"why, that's worse than Mr.. Zerub-
babel-but about Aunt James invita-
ton. Angy May l accept?"
Megflp never could refuse his wife
anything. She had evidently set her
heart upon the visit, so, though he
did't like leaving town at such critI-
cal moment, he let her have her own
way; and the note accepting Aunt
James invitation was written and
posted forthwith
Having called at the picture framer's S
and ordered a new frame for Chloe, "
and left the key of the studio with
| Mary Anne, the housemald, with dlrec-
tions to hand over the picture to Mr..
Ormolu's representative, Megllp and
/ his wife left town the following after
noon and spent a delightfully."- quiet
| Sunday with Aunt Jane at her cottage
| in Sussex.
Late on,Monday evening the Megllps
| returned home. Anyone called while
we were away? ANY letters Mary
| Anne?' Mrs. Megilp asked as the neat
| handmade met her at the door,
"Oh, yes, mum, if you please, re-
| piled Mary Anne volubly. ION Satur'
/ day, soon after you and master left,
Mr.. Ormolu's young man came for the
| picture-the pretty one with the chlck'
ems; and this morning came a darh
gentleman-a Jewish gentleman
| should say, mum-the same as called
the other evening when master Wa
out. And he asst me If he could SET
masters pictures; and L said yes,
| thought he could, and l showed HIN
into the drawing room L hope dl'
right, SIR" she SAID, turning to Me
gnp. -,
sumed the girl, soothing her apron
complacently, land l made the studio
look quite nice before L showed hin
in. lifted the big picture-the one
the Young lady with two long plalts o
air down her back"
margaret Mending Her Stockings,
said Megilp, under his breath.
"And 1 put il on the easel, and
looked beautiful" went on the mai
glibly. THE gentleman seemed yer
much took with il, and then he locke
at the little picture"
s.Sour Grapes" interpolated Michae
! Angelo, smiling.
And then he asst me for pen an
ink, and then he sat down and wrot
YOU this letter, sir" Here she pro
duced from her pocket two letters
This other one came by post thl
morning." she added, giving both
him.
Hastily stufing the post-letter int
his pocket. Megllp tore open MI Zerut
babel's communication When he Ia
read il he burst INTO a hearty laugi
l drew his wife INTO the drawing room
and shut the door on the astonlshe
|, Mary Anne.
"Msdgel MadgeI It's the best joke
Won must raise that girls wages 10
; year and give her gown or something
l pom my word you must She's dor
. US a splendid turn. Read that!
He handed the open letter to Mr
: Megilp. 1t ran as follows:
: DEAR SIR: l have seen your plctur
, Margaret Mendlng Her Stockings
It's taken nv fancy. 1'il buy IL OF yC
!, on the following terms: I'll remit Il
bill of sale and give you $50. If yo
g accept. bill or sale remittej by retul
: nost Wire reply. Yous respectful
e MICAH ZERUBBABEL.
g Perhaps you'll throw IN the lit
nicture. ..Sour Grapes" Fifty poun
, is a lot of money. NJ Ia.
.sI am afraid he has made mistak
, He meant to buy "Chloe," said MI
y Megilp. uneaslly.
= Nonsense, my dear!' reIorleu y
:; husband. ssHere he makes me an of
in black and white for 'Margar
Mending Her stockings He ought